Please, check the pages dedicated to each sport before contacting by mail.
Fencing - Scherma
Olympic sport since 1896
Brief description
Fencing is a complete sport that combines physic and mental skills. In fact many champions reach their best results around their thirties, whereas athletes in other sports reach their pensionable age.
On the physical area you will work on strength, speed, flexibility, coordination, power and balance.
On the mental area you will work the abilities to get focussed, problem solving, tactical analysis, creativity and respect.
Fencing is a safe environment. Sport values include respect for colleagues and yourself, for the rules and the referee, even for the equipment. Fencing is a combat sport, but contact is forbidden. Stringent equipment regulations make it one of the safest sports. All these values and abilities can be practised in a formal and ludic environment where each participant tries to touch the opponent without being touched.
Fencing in Budokai
The fencing section in the JRC clubhouse in offers a space where to make your first steps in fencing or where to rehearsal your fencing abilities, if you are already experienced.
Courses and Calendar
Fencing groups will be limited and coherent with the experience and age of the fencers. At this moment, Season 2024-25, we organise two courses:
Young (>9y and teenagers): Will practice sable (sciabola).
Adults (adults and teenagers with adequate experience): Will practice sword (spada).
Courses take place on Wednesday afternoon. Kids start at 17:30, Adults at 18:45.
The courses take place once per week and mainly follow the JRC and European School calendars.
The calendar is enclosed below.
Foil (fioretto) enthusiasts: Show up and we will organise a new group :-). The writer of this lines loves foil too.
What we don't do
Fencing is properly taught but we do not take part in fencing competitions. If you are interested we will kindly inform you of other clubs where you may be able to engage in regular competitions.
Organisation
The activity is organised by club members and adapted to club members needs and interests. It is implemented with the help of qualified instructors. For more information, please, contact us at scherma@budokai.it
Who we are
We started as a group of JRC adults who had previously practised fencing and where looking for a place where to keep on practising it. The group grew to welcome sons of colleagues who were keen on trying fencing. Through time we have organised multiple groups from 6 years old to adults in all modalities: foil, sword, sable and even plastic fencing for the smallest ones. We carry on with the activity out of passion and on a voluntarily basis.
Instructors
The lessons are taught by: Nicola Guarnaccia, pupil of the maestro and champion Antonio Pagano. Nicola himself has numerous professional and athletic qualifications and, most important of all, he enjoys transmitting his passion in sport and fencing in particular.
Maestro di educazoione motoria nella scuola primaria
Laurea magistrale in scienze motorie
Laurea di primo livello in scienze dell’attività fisica e motoria
Diploma preparatore atletico CSEN-CONI
Tecnico di primo nivello della FIS
Arbitro nazionale alle 3 armi
Varie presenze coppa del mondo under 20
2 coppa del mondo satellite assoluti amsterdam
3 classificati a squadre campionato italiano a squadre A2
Arbitro maratona Parigi 2020
Arbitro campionati italiani assoluti Cassino 2021
Edoardo Dell’Orto, pupil of Antonio Pagano and Simeone Sartorelli, collaborates with us too. He once tried fencing at the age of 8 and, using his own words, felt in love of this sport, which he keeps on practicing.
He practices fencing for more than 12 years, sable to be more precise, taking part in countless regional and national competitions, including some international participations. Beyond all competitive experience he takes out the sportsmanship and respect that we all share in fencing and that he is keen on teaching.
National referee of epee and sabre
5th place in the Italian A2 team championship
Location and Installations
Lessons take place in the JRC clubhouse at the multi-sports hall. Please, have a look, here, at the rules to use the sport-hall.
The sports-hall has: ground heating, integrated changing rooms and storage room, 5 marked fencing pistes of which 2 are equipped with electric signalling, one with a FullArm07 the other one with a FullArm01.
For the kids group, we will try to organise two optional activities:
- one lesson exchange together with kids from another school
- participation in a one day competition together with kids from other schools
Details and conditions to be confirmed.
Availability
Young (>9y): The course will be confirmed with, minimum 7 requests. No more than 11 participants will be accepted.
Adults (adults and teenagers with adequate experience): The course will be confirmed with, minimum 5 requests.
Inscriptions will be open first open for participants of the previous course. Otherwise, first come first served.
Cost
Course fees are (Season 2024-25):
- October to January: 115€
- February to June: 124€ (tbc)
Two payments per season simplify the course management (vs the previous one payment per quarter). We volunteer our time!
Equipment
You need to bring your usual athletic clothing and non-marking indoor sport shoes.
Besides, each fencer is expected to bring its own fencing equipment. Yet, we have a minimum set of equipment that can be used by athletes who are starting to practice fencing.
You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment whenever you feel like and are able to get it. Please, check the linked FAQ with rules applicable on the use of personal equipment and basic guidance on where to start from.
Test lessons
We are keen to welcome Budokai members to see if you enjoy both the sport and the group. You can practice for a couple of lessons without having to pay the course fee.
For insurance reasons, you have to be a fully registered member with: the request approved, valid medical certificate and paid membership fee. (Registration is not needed during the open day.)
Registration, who and how
Courses are open to anybody, both JRC and non-JRC employees and families(*).
Access to the premisses and to the courses is only possible to course registered members. The registration is fully on-line. Notice that:
1. you should register to the website, then (only new members)
2. you should request membership(i) to the club and finally (only new members)
Please, allow for time to process and evaluate your requests to the volunteers organising the courses.
(i) New membership requests are evaluated weekly. Requests should be submitted, the latest, the Saturday before the 1st lesson that you intend to attend. / Renewals can be done by yourself in the website.
(ii) Subject to availability and suitability of the candidate to the course.
(*) If strictly necessary, precedence will be given to JRC members.
OPEN DAY Wednesday 25.Sep.2024 (Only this day, no need for registration). Come and try fencing (la scherma). - Kids at 17:30 - Teens and adults at 18:45 See you at the JRC Clubhouse, multi-sports hall
K1, and the MT variant, is a combat sport combining techniques from different martial arts. Practicing this sport strengthens self-defense skills, balance, and self-discipline, besides reducing stress and increasing psychological and physical well-being.
The course
Introduction course to combat sports disciplines is a complete activity that combines kicks, punches and knee strikes. The 90-minute course is divided into 2 parts: 1) a free body workout with a set of exercises to support physical toning, better coordination and flexibility; 2) a technical workout to learn and practice attack and defence sequences.
Location, Timing and Calendar
It will be held in the Clubhouse at the Multisport Hall on Fridays from 12:30 to 14:00h If you did not attend the K1 Free Trials earlier this year, you are welcome to come and try during the sport week on Friday 27/09/2024 12.30-14h.
This season, lessons start on 4.Oct.2024 See below for the detailed calendar.
The trainer
The course will be delivered by Alessandro Aimetti, founder of Team Combattimento.com with over 25 years of experience in Martial Arts and Combat Sports.
The equipment
Materials needed to practice: - Sportswear (t-shirt & shorts) - Boxing handwraps (example) - 10° Ounce boxing gloves (example) - Bottle of water
Registration
To register to the course you are invited to: - Register to as a member to the Polisportiva Budokai Ispra following this link - After completing the membership registration at Budokai you will be able to request registration to the K1 course for you and/or your family member - Remember to upload your valid medical certificate before enrolling in the course.
Proposed Calendar
Two periods (October 2024-February 2025 and March-June/July 2025) Fridays 12,30-14,00
Number of classes Date/ Fridays Comments n.1 27/09/2024 Trials - no registration needed n.2 04/10/2024 n.3 11/10/2024 n.4 18/10/2024 n.5 25/10/2024 n.x 01/11/2024 JRC Holiday n.6 08/11/2024 n.7 15/11/2024 n.8 22/11/2024 n.9 29/11/2024 n.10 06/12/2024 n.11 13/12/2024 n.12 20/12/2024 n.xx 27/12/2024 festa JRC Holiday n.xx 03/01/2025 JRC Holiday n.13 10/01/2025 n.14 17/01/2025 n.15 24/01/2025 n.16 31/01/2025 n.17 07/02/2025 n.18 14/02/2025 n.19 21/02/2025 n.xx Flexy 28/02/2025 Holiday @European School Teacher available n.20 07/03/2025 n.21 14/03/2025 n.22 21/03/2025 n.23 28/03/2025 n.24 04/04/2025 n.25 11/04/2025 n.xx 18/04/2025 festa JRC Holiday n.xx 25/04/2025 festa JRC Holiday n.xx Flexy 02/05/2025 Holiday @European School Teacher available n.xx 09/05/2025 JRC Holiday n.26 16/05/2025 n.?? 23/05/2025 n.xx Flexy 30/05/2025 Holiday @European School Teacher available n.27 06/06/2025 n.28 13/06/2025 n.29 20/06/2025 n.30 27/06/2025 n.31 04/07/2025 Suggested make up classes n.32 11/07/2025
Krav Maga
Practical self-defence
Introduction to the activity Krava Maga is a self-defense and combat system based on a set of logical and effective principles that lead human beings to express the most of their potential for survival in a violent confrontation.
The activity in Budokai
Learning method: the methodology, knowledge and experience of the largest and well respected Krav Maga organization globally, the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF).
Learn practical self-defence, improve your physical condition, awareness and confidence.
But most of all come to enjoy!
Courses and Calendar
Season 2024/2025 - we resume courses at 1st of October 2024
The courses take place once per week and mainly follow the European School Varese calendar. Detailed schedule and prices could be found below.
We train during Tuesdays lunch hours in the JRC Multipurpose Sport Hall.
Organisation
The activity is organized by club members and adapted to club members needs and interests. It is implemented with the help of qualified instructors. For more information, please, contact us at kravmaga@budokai.it
Instructors
Marco Bergamo
Level G4
Certified: MIL: MILITARY INSTRUCTOR WIC: WOMEN INSTRUCTOR KIC: KIDS INSTRUCTOR
Equipment
The club's specialized equipment used is shared among new athletes during each session.
Otherwise comfortable sport outfit is recommended.
Medical certificate (non-agonistico) is mandatory.
Budokai activities using campo 7 are getting ready to move to the new sports hall!! Congratulations to: Scherma, Krav Maga and Aikido.
The specific start date will be confirmed by e-mail to each participant. Yet, it could be as early as next week February the 10th. A formal inaguration it is foreseen later in spring.
New usage rules will apply so that we can all enjoy this facility for a long time:
Non-marking indoor sports shoes will be compulsory. It is strictly forbidden to practice the activity without them.
Clean soles. Shoes should be changed within the sports hall. You should not enter the sports hall if your footwear has dirt from the outside.
Access controls and timing. The first floor is only available for public events. Athletes should access the hall through the ground floor. The access will be divided in two zones.
The entry area will be open to any person authorised to visit the club house. It will protect you form the weather and it has two public toilets.
The sports area can only be opened by the responsible of the activity. Therefore, late arrivals will disrupt the activity. It provides access to the changing rooms, sports hall and equipment.
These basic rules will let us enjoy a state of the art sports hall with ground heating, integrated changing rooms and storage room, 5 fencing pistes, of which 1 piste will be pre-installed with a FullArm07 scoreboard and the second one with a FullArm01.
All in all, an environment where to safely and comfortably learn and practice sports with plenty of FUN
Fencing Equipment
FAQ: Rules and guidance
These FAQ explain the basics on fencing equipment together with fencing equipment rules applicable at Budokai.
If you are familiar with fencing equipment and regulations you may jump directly to the four questions marked with <rule>.
Do I need my own equipment to start fencing lessons? <rule>
Fencers are expected to bring their own equipment. In the club we have a minimum set of equipment that athletes can use to start practicing fencing.
You should, in any case, bring your usual athletic clothing and non-marking indoor shoes.
Is there a specific date after which I will be required to bring my own equipment?
Whenever you feel like and are able to get some equipment. Go step by step. If you have any doubts on equipment we will advise you.
I still remember getting my first glove (that fits like a glove) and how handling the sword felt much better… or you may like to get your sword too :-D You decide on each step.
Which are the advantages of using my own equipment?
1.You will have more time for practice and lessons will be more fluid. You won’t have to wait until the previous athlete has disconnected and undressed to then start dressing yourself with the same clothes.
2.You will perform better. Using clothing that fit your size will give you better feeling and freedom of movements.
3.You may feel more comfortable and it is more hygienic. Intense workout may leave the shared fencing gear wet.
Which equipment is used in fencing? Where should I start?
As a rule of thumb, you should aim getting first the garments that are closer to your skin. Wesuggest this order:
1.Internal layer: Bust protector and weapon connector cables
Bust protector: Compulsory for girls since the earliest adolescence. (We advise you to start with a one piece chest protector, like the ones already available at Budokai.)
2.Protective layer: Protective Jacket, Mask or Gloves.
Make sure to get masks and gloves suitable to the weapon that you practice: foil, sable or epee. Masks are unique for each weapon as well as gloves for sable.
Protective Jackets are the white ones. They are common to all weapons.
3.Sword: Protective Jacket, Mask or Gloves. Check that the foil is FIE certified (maraging) and get a water proofed protector to carry it around. (Trick: garden water hoses can do a very decent job to protect the foil and the tip.)
4. Electric Vest, Trousers and Socks
Does my equipment need to be certified? <rule>
Yes, for the safety of all fencers, all equipment used in the lessons must be FIE certified. (Fédération Internationale d'Escrime.)
Protective equipment has two certification levels:
-Level1 (or 350N): Usable by kids < 14 years old. (N = Newton)
-Level2 (or 800N/1600N): From 14 years onwards. (800 for clothing and 1600 for mask)
In the EU adult fencers from amateur to Olympic, usually, wear the same level of protection (Level 2). What may change is how, light, flexible and breathable each element may be, not the security offered.
Other countries may have less strict regulations, please, pay attention if you buy equipment from outside of the EU.
Do we need to bring non-marking indoor shoes? Is it a fencing rule? <rule>
Yes, we need to use non-marking indoor shoes. It is not a need arising from fencing safety regulations. The requirement arises from the use rules of the multi-sports hall that we share.
Standard sport shoes could leave marks on the floor of the multi-sports hall. They could damage or difficult the practice of sports.
You should be able to find non-marking indoor shoes at most sports shops.
Which fencing brands and vendors should I look at? Is it expensive?
In the last years a few vendors have entered the market bringing interesting offers in. (We are not affiliated with any.) There is a bit of marketing around but getting only some items may make a difference.
Second hand garments are an interesting option for protective fencing textiles (jacket, trousers or gloves). They have rather long live spans. Pay closer attention if you buy second hand masks, electric vests or swords.
Where may I find some mortar-and-brick shops to see and try the equipment?
Distributors will usually open their shops on appointment. (Do not expect a shop with street windows. It is more usually an office or distribution point with an area to receive customers and a fitting room.)
Most sellers are present in public stands at the most relevant regional and national competitions. Check the FIS calendar (Federazione Italiana di Scherma). Some may take place close to Ispra: Novara, Como, Milan…
Can you buy the equipment on my behalf?
We do not intermediate. Yet, we can help pooling together a group of athletes interested in buying equipment to get better offers.
What happens if I damage the club’s equipment? <rule>
Club’s equipment should be used correctly. The member should reimburse equipment damaged because of reckless use or in case of loss.
This is regulated in Art. 2.2 of Budokai’s Internal Rules. More precisely, the article reads:
Art. 2.2. Uso dei materiali del club
Il club dispone di attrezzature di uso comune o per protezione individuale. I soci devono provvedere ai propri materiali ed indumenti per la pratica.
Il socio è responsabile per il corretto utilizzo dei materiali del Club, che dovrà essere rimborsato in caso di deterioramento dovuto ad uso improprio o in caso di smarrimento.
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